NEW YORK -- Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter died Thursday following a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 57.

Best known for his role on the 1986 World Series champion Mets and for his 10-year run with the Expos that preceded it, Carter had been battling cancer since doctors discovered inoperable tumors on his brain in May 2011, diagnosing him with grade 4 glioblastoma. His condition took a turn for the worse when an MRI exam revealed new tumors in January.

Carter passed at 4:10 p.m. ET, according to an entry on his family's online journal.

[....]

"Driven by a remarkable enthusiasm for the game, Gary Carter became one of the elite catchers of all-time," said Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. "'The Kid' was an 11-time All-Star and a durable, consistent slugger for the Montreal Expos and the New York Mets, and he ranks among the most beloved players in the history of both of those franchises. Like all baseball fans, I will always remember his leadership for the '86 Mets and his pivotal role in one of the greatest World Series ever played.

"On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Gary's wife, Sandy; their daughters, Christy and Kimmie; their son, D.J.; their grandchildren; his friends and his many fans."